STAFF
JOAQUIN GARCIA
Pastor
TAYLOR DIRKS
Worship Director
ALEC BURNS
Communication Coordinator
ELDERS
JOAQUIN GARCIA
Local Elder
ISRAEL GOMEZ
External Elder*
WHAT ARE ELDERS?
God has given us a particular kind of position or office for leaders in the church. Their main job is "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." The Bible uses 3 main terms to describe this church leader: "pastor/shepherd" (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:2-3), "elder/presbyter" (Acts 20:17; 1 Peter 5:1; Titus 1:5), and "overseer/bishop" (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:7).
At Disciple Church, we recognize that all the various biblical terminology for this church leadership position are equally valid, and that local churches may choose to use different terminology than we do, but we have decided to use the term "elder" for the those who hold the office, and "pastor" for any elders who are on paid staff.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ELDER?
"This is a trustworthy saying: 'If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.'"
(1 Timothy 3:1)
This "noble task" has clearly defined qualifications for the men of God who will "shepherd the flock of God" (1 Peter 5:2) and they are found in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
God inspired the Apostle Paul to speak these words to every pastor: "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)
*WHAT IS AN EXTERNAL ELDER?
In the case where the total number of elders drop below (3), and there are no qualified and willing men to serve, then temporary external elders may be established to advise and provide wisdom to the remaining elder(s). Temporary elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus1:6-9. Also they must be either a pastor or an ordained minister from another congregation of like faith and practice.
We believe the use of external elders is consistent with the teaching found in the 2nd London Confession of Faith of 1689 (26.15), which states:
"In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice."
DEACONS
WHAT ARE DEACONS?
The Greek word in the Bible for "deacon" literally means "servant." Although all Christians are called to serve others because Jesus first served us (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-7), the office of the deacon is someone who is considered faithful and mature and therefore reliable to lead the local church in various practical ministries of service.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON?
The biblical qualifications of a deacon are almost identical to the qualifications of an elder. The primary difference is that a deacon is not required to be "able to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2) or "to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:9). Pastors are called to teach and defend, while deacons are called to serve and manage.
The apostle Paul defines the qualifications for deacons as follows:
"Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
(1 Timothy 3:8-13)